Geneva Conventions And Contras

President Reagan claimed recently that the problems besetting Nicaragua are political and economic. Simultaneously, he steadfastly endorsed more aid for the contras.

Before the United States rushes further support to the opposition forces, it might be wise for both the administration and the Congress to examine the Geneva conventions. According to international law specialist Karen Parker, The "United Nations has determined that the contras fighting to overthrow the Nicaraguan government are not legal dissidents in a civil war. They operate from bases outside the country, control no territory, do not function under unified command, and many are not Nicaraguan.

"Failing this legal test established under the Geneva conventions, the contras are considered 'terrorists-mercenaries' in international law. Any nation supporting them is a chargeable party to the crimes they commit."

As a signatory of the Geneva Conventions in 1956, is the government of the United States willing to support "terrorists-mercenaries" and willing to pay the price, whatever it may be, for their misconduct?